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City Festival - Mon 19th August The 2019 City Festival takes place over seven fun-packed days in August and this year’s theme is ‘Out of this World’, celebrating all things outer space. For the first time, the centrepiece of the festival will be a huge purpose-built transparent venue known as The Dome in Jubilee Square, which will be the focal point for a programme of daytime family-friendly activities throughout the week, before transforming into a stunning performance space for live concerts and shows in the evenings. Check out the 2019 City Festival Brochure for more information, and purchase tickets for a number of City Festival events online. More details www.visitleicester.info/whats-on/city-festival-p704831 #Leicesterfest #CityFestival

HOLLYWOOD A- LISTERS LEND SUPPORT TO CAMPAIGN FOR STATUE OF ICONIC PLAYWRIGHT JOE ORTON IN HIS HOMETOWN OF LEICESTER A host of celebrities including Sir Ian McKellen, Stephen Fry, Alec Baldwin, Kenneth Cranham and Sheila Hancockare lending their support to a fundraising campaign to have a statue of the iconic British playwright Joe Orton erected in his hometown of Leicester. The fundraising campaign, Joe Orton Statue Appeal (www.spacehive.com/joe-orton-statue-appeal) has been organised by a committee of Orton fans in Leicester and is headed by his sister, Leonie Orton (pictured with Sir Ian McKellen) and Dr Emma Parker, a leading Orton expert at the University of Leicester, home of the Orton archive, which includes manuscripts, letters and other original material written, compiled or collected by the playwright. Acting legend Sir Ian Mckellen is an active supporter of thefundraising campaign saying: “'The idea that in Orton Square there should be a statue, a memorial to Joe Orton, is terrific”. Upon hearing of the fundraising campaign, Hollywood A Lister Alec Baldwin said about the writer: "I have craved Orton’s writing for a long time, whether I’m sitting in the audience or performing in the cast. There are no comparisons. He’s a true original. Half poet, half devil’s apprentice. I never tire of his wit, soul and anarchy." Actor, writer and national treasure Stephen Fry added: “'Joe Orton has always been a hero to me, both in his work and in the authenticity, wit and wonder of his life. A statue is a wonderful idea” Born in Leicester and raised on the Saffron Lane council estate, Orton shocked, outraged, and amused audiences with his scandalous black comedies such as Loot, Entertaining Mr Sloane and What the Butler Saw. His career, although short lived, was incredibly significant, influencing future generations of writers, so much so that his unique style has given rise to the adjective ‘Ortonesque’ to describe work that blends the comic and the macabre. His life, as revealed in his diaries, was as scandalous as his plays, and he died tragically at the age of 34, murdered by his lover, Kenneth Halliwell, in 1967. One of only a handful of memorials to LGBT icons in the UK, a fundraising platform has been set up to meet the projected cost of £100,000 to design, create and site the statue within a prominent position in the city of Leicester. The design of the statue will be subject to a competition where artists will be asked to represent a likeness of Orton in a suitably ‘Ortonesque’ way. It is hoped that the statue, the favoured location of which is Orton Square by Curve, at the heart of the Cultural Quarter, will become a symbol of Leicester’s significant literary heritage and passionate commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Leonie Orton, who administers the estate of Joe Orton with her sister Marilyn, said: “A statue of Joe will ensure that a great writer is not forgotten, raise awareness of Leicester’s rich literary heritage and serve as an inspirational reminder that talent is everywhere and art is for everyone, regardless of social background or circumstance.” The launch of the Joe Orton Statue Appeal will take place at Curve at 5.30pm on 25th July where invited guests and Orton fans will be presented with a short fundraising film from Sir Ian McKellen and Leonie Orton, as well as being given the first opportunity to pledge their support to the statue’sfunding. Those wishing to pledge their support can do so at www.spacehive.com/joe-orton-statue-appeal Guests will also be able to take part in a silent auction to bid for rare items from the Orton Archive, exclusive theatre experiences and Orton artwork and there are some once in a lifetime rewards for donating on offer including the chance to have your photo taken wearing Orton's coat, that inspired his famous statement: 'Cheap clothes suit me. I'm from the gutter. And don't you ever forget it because I won't.' and the chance to have his favourite actor Kenneth Cranham come to their house and read from the Orton Diaries The fundraising campaign is supported by the University of Leicester, Leicester City Council, Curve, Fraser Urquhart Media and Big Difference Company. Donations can be made at www.spacehive.com/joe-orton-statue-appeal www.spacehive.com/joe-orton-statue-appeal

Discussion about the idea of a workplace parking levy in Leicester are to get underway. The city council intends to consult on a scheme that would charge organisations providing parking spaces for employees as a means of funding local transport improvements whilst helping cut congestion and traffic pollution. To date, Nottingham is the only UK city to have introduced a workplace parking levy. This has been in operation since 2012 and has brought in over £60million, which the council has invested in public transport including tram, bus and railway station improvements. Other local authorities – including Birmingham, Oxford, Reading, Edinburgh, and several London boroughs – are also actively investigating the introduction of similar schemes. Leicester City Council is developing a new Local Transport Plan setting out the future transport vision for the city and how this could be funded, including potentially through a workplace parking levy. Initial consultation on this plan will be followed by a statutory public consultation on the workplace parking levy. This is likely to take around 18 months to two years. Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “Like many cities, Leicester faces real challenges to improve air quality, cut congestion and encourage more people to make the shift to sustainable, clean transport options. “It is essential that we continue to invest in transport improvements that encourage more people to walk, cycle and take the bus. “There is a lot of work that needs to be done before we can consult on our case for a workplace parking levy, including developing a new local transport plan that reflects the opportunities that this new funding would allow us to explore. “While that work is ongoing, we will be approaching businesses and other relevant organisations and aiming to start a discussion around the city’s transport challenges and how we can fund future improvements. We’re at a very early stage of a lengthy process.” City Mayor Peter Soulsby added: “While we have been extremely successful in attracting major funding from Government and other sources, a workplace parking levy would provide a reliable and ongoing source of locally-controlled funding to help us commit to ambitious, long-term transport improvements. “These could for example include the electrification of the city’s bus fleet, a more comprehensive network of bus and cycle routes across the city, improvements to major transport hubs like the railway station and more work to reduce traffic pollution in the city. “No decisions have been made yet, but we do want to consult on the idea of the workplace parking levy as a means of a funding future transport improvements.” To set the ball rolling, City Mayor Peter Soulsby and Cllr Adam Clarke are planning to host a Twitter question and answer session on Tuesday 10 September. The process for introducing a workplace parking levy is set out in the Transport Act 2000. Any proposed scheme will be subject to approval from the Secretary of State for Transport. All income raised from a workplace parking scheme in Leicester could only be spent on transport schemes included in the Local Transport Plan. The city’s renewed transport plan is due to be consulted on in early 2020. It is likely that a formal consultation on a workplace levy will take place in early 2021. Plans to consult on the introduction a workplace parking levy are due to be discussed at the next meeting of the council’s Economic development, Transport and Tourism scrutiny committee on Thursday 22 August. To find out more about how a workplace parking levy might work, the process for implementation and the forthcoming consultation, visit www.leicester.gov.uk/WorkplaceParkingLevy Consulting on a levy for employers with parking spaces and investing this income in cleaner, greener transport schemes is one of a range of actions the city council plans to help tackle the climate crisis. Experts now predict that unless drastic action is taken, we are less than 12 years away from global heating becoming irreversible, with catastrophic results. In response, Leicester City Council declared a climate emergency in February 2019. Local initiatives such as creating more cycle tracks in the city, promoting sustainable transport, setting up a renewable energy company, installing more solar panels on council buildings and promoting take-up of electric vehicles are already under way. With Government support, the city council could be on track to be carbon neutral before 2030. Source : Leicester City Council News

In the last five years, 790 children from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have enjoyed trips arranged by the charity - and it wants more A free adventure holiday by the sea was enjoyed by 44 children recently, thanks to county charity Leicester Children’s Holidays that is looking to expand and offer more trips. The charity has given 60,000 children a holiday over many decades and is currently with children on its latest fun trip. They returned on Friday August 9. Between 2013 and 2018, 790 children from across the counties went on the trips and the charity is keen to increase this number. Leicester Children’s Holiday’s slogan is “Every child needs a holiday” and this is the 121st year it has been offering the breaks, drawing in children from Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. For many children, it is a life-changing experience in their young lives. The youngsters are enjoying a week at the Hilltop Outdoor Centre near Sheringham in Norfolk, an adventure base right on the coast with an emphasis on fun. As well as offering a ‘bucket and spade’ holiday, the qualified staff engage with them and help them work together as a team - and create happy memories. The children are encouraged to develop a fresh outlook on life. There are zip wires, climbing walls, mountain bikes, den building and exploring in rock pools- and lots of group activities. Children between the ages of eight and 11 go on the all-expenses paid holidays. The youngsters are recommended by schools, charities, food banks and agencies such as social services. Between 2013 and 2018, 43% of the children who went on a holiday were from Leicestershire and Rutland and 57% from Leicester. The charity’s manager is Nicky Kandola, a former head teacher in Leicestershire whose experience working with children makes her ideal for the role. She said: “The children we help are from all kinds of backgrounds who need a break and a chance to enjoy themselves. For some, they are a life-changing experience. “We have been part of Leicestershire for a long time and when we organise fund-raisers or supermarket collections, we always get people coming up to us and saying: ‘I went on one of your holidays, it was brilliant.’ “Sometimes parents need a helping hand and that is where we come in. Recently one mum told me her daughter went on one of our trips. She was upset she couldn’t provide a holiday for her daughter, but that daughter now has a job at the BBC.” Part of the new management team set up earlier this year includes chair Parvez Bhatty. He said: “We have some amazing volunteers who have been with us for years and years. We are very keen to expand the holidays and eventually offer more weeks away in the summer and even breaks at half-term.” “The committee, many of whom are trustees, also want to steadily increase the number of children enjoying our holidays each year and build on our successes in the past. For this we need the support of the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.” Go on to the Leicester Children’s Holidays website to put forward a child to enjoy one of the trips. www.leicesterchildrensholidays.co.uk Visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/leicesterchildrensholidays

A choir project which supports young refugees and asylum seekers living in Leicestershire and across England is appealing for votes after reaching the finals of the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards - the search for the UK’s favourite ever National Lottery-funded projects. The European Youth Music Refugee Choir (EYMRC), which regularly performs and rehearses in Leicester, and has many participants from the area, is competing in the Best Culture, Arts and Film Project category. They beat off stiff competition from more than 700 organisations to reach the public voting stage in this year’s National Lottery Awards, which celebrate the inspirational people and projects who do extraordinary things with the help of National Lottery funding. The project with the most votes will be crowned the winner and receive a £10,000 cash prize, an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy and attend a star-studded glittering awards ceremony to be broadcast on BBC One in November. The European Youth Music Refugee Choir (EYMRC) brings together young refugees and asylum seekers living in England, enabling them to meet new people in a fun way whilst developing crucial skills needed to continue living in a new country. The choir rehearses in Leicester, Birmingham and Bristol regularly with plans to expand across the country. Sarah Pickstone, the Director of Marketing and Fundraising for European Youth Music, says: “We were so happy to be told that the European Youth Music Refugee Choir had been shortlisted as a finalist in the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards. We run choirs across England for young refugees and asylum seekers with the aim of making them feel more welcome in the community and to provide them with new experiences, chances to develop new skills and make new friends. We’re hoping that everyone gets behind us. We would love to spread the word further afield so that more people know and understand what we do and so that we can help more asylum seekers and refugees.” Jonathan Tuchner, from the National Lottery, added: “It’s thanks to National Lottery players, who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes, that brilliant projects like those in the finals of the National Lottery Awards are possible. “The European Youth Music Refugee Choir is doing an incredible job and the work they do is hugely impressive. They thoroughly deserve to be in the finals of the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards and with your support they could be a winner.” To vote for EYMRC go to lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards OR use the hashtag #NLARefugeeChoir on twitter. You can also follow the campaign on Twitter: hashtag #NLAwards. Voting runs from 9am on 24 July until midnight on 21 August. The award categories reflect the main areas of National Lottery funding: heritage, sport, arts, culture and film, community and charity, sporting legend which will be decided by a public vote alongside lifetime achievement, young hero, special recognition, and twelve local legend awards, which will be selected by a panel made up of representatives from the National Lottery family. The first National Lottery draw took place on 19 November 1994. The 25th birthday is a moment to celebrate the extraordinary impact The National Lottery has had on the UK and, most importantly, to say thank you to National Lottery players for contributing tens of millions of pounds every week to good causes. Whilst The National Lottery is all about winning – with more than 5,100 millionaires created since 1994 – its primary purpose is all about giving. National Lottery players have raised more than £40 billion for good causes in the areas of arts, sport, heritage and community over the past 25 years. More than 565,000 National Lottery grants have been awarded since 1994, the equivalent of around 200 life-changing projects in every UK postcode district helping to strengthen communities, deliver sporting success, protect the environment, unleash local creative talent and look after the elderly and those at risk. Pictures Credit EYMRC

A total of 35 weapons and more than 900 rounds of ammunition have been handed in to Leicestershire Police during a two week national firearms surrender. The surrender was co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) with many other forces across the UK taking part from Saturday 20 July to Sunday 4 August. All of the firearms handed in, including ammunition, CS Spray and Tasers, will be destroyed or handed to museums to be displayed. A variety of weapons were handed into Neighbourhood Policing Areas (NPAs) across the county: Detective Inspector Helena Bhakta said: “The aim of the surrender is to get firearms away from the hands of criminals. These aims have been achieved thanks to the great response from the public. “The communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have got behind this national campaign. Together we have ensured there are less firearms in circulation, reducing accessibility to criminals, and making our streets safer. Leicestershire Police will continue to robustly investigate those that illegally arm themselves and take measures to combat gun crime. “Our commitment to keeping gun crime low will continue beyond this surrender, and I hope that we can count on the public for their continued support.” If anyone has a weapon they would like to hand in they have been advised to contact Leicestershire Police on 101 #LeicPolice

We are on the search for crafters to take part in the new series, which will be filmed between August and October. We are filming 15 crafty competitions and also searching for passionate makers who make fantastic festive goodies to feature on the programmes. This year’s craft competitions are: 1. Gingerbread House building 2. Tree decorating 3. Cake decorating 4. Stocking making 5. Best Christmas Hamper 6. Best handmade toy 7. Best hand knitted Christmas Jumper 8. Best Christmas paper craft 9. Best handmade wreath 10. Best handmade gift 11. Best handmade Decorations 12. Best handmade advent calendar 13. Best handmade table dressing 14. Best Christmas needlecraft (to include all sewing crafts) 15. Best Handmade Pet Gift In addition to those we’re also looking to feature a wide range of other crafts from passionate makers, and would encourage anyone interested to get in touch with us as soon as possible to find out more. For an application form or for details on how to apply, contact christmas2019@raisetheroofproductions.com or call 0141 427 5880. Applications close Friday 16th August. Applicants must be 16+ to enter. Applicants aged 16 or 17 will require consent from parent(s) or legal guardians. Link to casting call video here: https://www.facebook.com/HandmadeHomeandStyle/videos/365796264134706/ The programme will broadcast in December 2019.

A group of riders from the motorcyclist group called THE UNIT in Leicester will ride 1001 Miles today in aid of charity.  Updated News - and they did it.... The Group had a early start this morning they left Leicester at 5.30am. THE UNIT IS RAISING MONEY FOR ONE NATION MEDICAL AID FOR SYRIA They will ride to Scotland and back and complete 1001 Miles in less than 24 Hours. Several local companies have sponsored the event and there is a totalgiving page at www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/theunit #theunit

Tesco - Narborough Road Empty shelves leaves customers with nearly empty baskets Saturday Morning 9am Shopping experience at Tesco Narborough Road, Leicester. A refrigerator plant breakdown since Thursday leaves shelves empty of fresh produce. When speaking to management, they are trying hard to restock the store. But several customers are upset to find they can’t shop and explained disappointment in Tesco by not using social media channels to inform customers before making a trip to the store. No signage is present at the store Staff and Management are working really hard to resolve the situation but there seems to be some staff that appear to have nothing to do, and when approached make flippant remarks like “there are plenty of other stores to shop at” A spokesperson for Tesco Narborough store “said that we are very sorry for any inconvenience caused to our customers, We have had problems with our chillers resulting in loss of products, and we are now currently restocking with the products we have in store, and are hoping to get the replacement stock back in store by Monday” #Tesco   

Eleven people arrested as part of the force’s crackdown on the supply and distribution of class A drugs have pleaded guilty to 34 offences. The defendants, two women and nine men, all appeared at Leicester Crown Court yesterday (22 July). One was sentenced after admitting an offence, with the other 10 due to be sentenced within the next two months. As part of Operation Lionheart officers have also arrested and charged another man. Jordan Murray, 23, of Flamborough Road, Ruislip, Hillingdon, has been charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and is due to appear at Leicester Crown Court on 15 August. A 24-year-old man has also been voluntarily interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Those who pleaded guilty to offences are: Tian Clarke, 18, of Bridlespur Way, Leicester, pleaded guilty to one count of supplying a class A drug. He was given a two year community order, been ordered to undertake 120 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation. Liam Walsh, 26, of Derby Road, Loughborough, pleaded guilty to one count of supplying class A drugs, one count of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and one count of offering to supply class A drugs. He will be sentenced on 23 August. Grant Griffiths, 24, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to three counts of supplying a class A drug and will be sentenced on 23 August. Christian Chauraya, 18, currently of HMYOI Brinsford, pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying class A drugs. He had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of supplying class A drugs at an earlier hearing. He is due to be sentenced for all five offences on 2 August. Lisa Hutchinson, currently of HMP Drake Hall, pleaded guilty to three counts of supplying class A drugs, two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and permitting the use of premises for the supply of class A drugs. She will be sentenced on 23 August. Abdul Kalique, 40, of Good Yards Close, Loughborough, pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying class A drugs and will be sentenced on 23 August. Scott Smith, 38, of Marshalls Court, Loughborough, pleaded guilty to four counts of supplying class A drugs and will be sentenced on 23 August. Susan Moon, 51, of Moira Street, Loughborough, pleaded guilty to one count of supplying a class A drug and permitting the use of premises for supplying class A drugs. She is due to be sentenced on 11 September. Charles Wallis, 56, also of Moira Street, Loughborough, pleaded guilty to three counts of supplying class A drugs and permitting the use of premises for supplying class A drugs. He is also due to be sentenced on 11 September. Daryl Eley, 29, of Derby Road, Loughborough, pleaded guilty to three counts of supplying class A drugs and will be sentenced on 23 August. Richard Clarbour, 36, of HMP Leicester, pleaded guilty to one count of supplying class A drugs and will be sentenced tomorrow (24 July). Source : Leicestershire Police #Leicpolice #OperationLionHeart

Leicestershire Police is appealing for people to hand in unwanted illegal firearms during a two week firearms surrender, starting on Saturday 20 July. The surrender (Saturday 20 July – Sunday 4 August 2019) gives members of the public the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted firearms and ammunition, as well as stun guns, Tasers and CS spray at a safe location where it will be taken for disposal. The campaign is being co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) with many other forces across the UK taking part. The surrender is not an amnesty and therefore Leicestershire Police may investigate any offences which have occurred prior to the items surrender. Communities should be reassured that officers will continue to vigorously investigate offences linked to any firearm they receive to combat gun crime. Many firearms are held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality are overlooked and forgotten in people’s homes. Others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to threaten or harm local communities. The surrender gives members of the public the chance to dispose of a firearm or ammunition by simply taking it to a local designated police station and handing it in. Spokesperson for the surrender, Detective Inspector Helena Bhakta said: “Surrendering unwanted or illegal firearms avoids the risk of them becoming involved in crime and means that members of the community can dispose of them in a safe place. “Firearms can be inherited through various ways - some can be handed down through family or found in lofts or sheds, gathering dust and forgotten about. “During the campaign this summer you can hand in any unwanted or illegal firearms. This way you can be confident you have got rid of a firearm safely.” Deputy Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “One weapon off the streets is one less that can be used to harm or threaten our communities. “As a police force, we use various tactics to locate weapons that have fallen into the wrong hands, but this is an opportunity for the public to help us. The fight against gun crime is stronger than ever and we are working with partners and local communities to safeguard, educate and intervene at the earliest opportunity.” Firearms can be surrendered at the following designated police stations and local offices across Leicestershire: Mansfield House Police Station, Leicester Keyham Lane Police Station, Leicester Market Harborough Police Station, Market Harborough Melton Mowbray Police Station, Melton Mowbray Braunstone Police Station, Leicester Hinckley Police Station, Leicester Wigston Police Station, Leicester Beaumont Leys Police Station, Leicester for opening times visit https://www.leics.police.uk/police-forces/leicestershire-police/areas/leicestershire-force-content/c/campaigns/2019/firearms-surrender/ Illegal possession of a firearm can mean five years behind bars and if you are found guilty of possession with intent to supply that can lead to a life sentence. If you know of anyone involved with illegal firearms call police on 101 or Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555 111. If you are a licensed firearm holder who wants advice please contact Leicestershire Police on 101. For more information visit www.nabis.police.uk or www.twitter.com/NABIS_UK #LeicPolice

Owners and operators of plant vehicles – including telehandlers – are being urged to ensure their vehicles remain secure overnight. Detectives are continuing to investigate two recent incidents – in Desford and Scraptoft – where plant vehicles have been stolen and used to try and break into ATMs. Both vehicles taken were made by Merlo. Officers are encouraging users of plant machinery to protect their vehicles overnight in order to try and prevent further incidents occurring. This can include parking them in well-lit areas overnight, or places that would make it difficult for an offender to move the vehicle. Police are also asking any members of the public who notice plant vehicles being driven outside usual working hours – such as late at night or in the early hours of the morning – to report any suspicious activity as soon as possible. Detective Chief Inspector Chris Baker, from Leicestershire Police’s Complex crime team, said: “If plant vehicles and telehandlers are being left on a building site or in a lockup overnight, there are steps that owners can take. “If it’s possible for the vehicle to be parked behind others, so that it’s obstructed and cannot be driven off without those vehicles being removed, then I’d encourage owners to do so. “Likewise, I’d also ask owners and operators to park their vehicles in locked, well-lit areas, which could act as a deterrent to any potential thieves. I would also encourage owners to install CCTV cameras if at all possible.” #LeicPolice